Job Purpose
Effective exercise of statutory powers and functions conferred under the DIFC Operating Law and the laws administered by the Registrar.
The role focuses on operational oversight, regulatory implementation, decision support, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring that DIFC registration, licensing, compliance, and registry functions are delivered efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with DIFC strategy, risk appetite, and applicable Federal, Local, and international obligations.
Key Focus Areas
Support Administration of Administered Laws
- Administering laws and regulations under the Registrar's remit, including (without limitation): Companies Law, Operating Law, General Partnership, Limited Partnership and LLP Laws, NPIO and Foundations Laws, Insolvency Law, CRS, FATCA and ESR regimes
- Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of guidance, policies, procedures, and forms issued by the Registrar.
- Provide legal and regulatory input on interpretation and application of Administered Laws in registration and licensing matters.
Registration, Licensing & Classification Oversight
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations relating to Incorporation, registration, continuation and striking‑off of DIFC entities, and business activity approvals and classifications (including ISIC‑aligned activities).
- Ensure registration and licensing processes are applied consistently, transparently, and within agreed SLAs.
- Escalate complex, high‑risk, or sensitive matters to the Registrar with clear analysis and recommendations.
Compliance, Risk & Regulatory Coordination
- Support implementation of the DIFC's risk‑based compliance methodology for non‑regulated entities.
- Coordinate with Regulatory Compliance, AML, Inspection and FEMM functions to:
- Support inspections and reviews.
- Monitor compliance trends and emerging risks.
- Assist with enforcement actions, penalties, or corrective measures where required.
- Assist with information requests and reporting obligations relating to AML/CFT, CRS, FATCA, ESR, and exchange of information.
Committees & Governance Support
- Act as Deputy Chair (as delegated) to the Registration Review Committee (RRC) and other Registrar‑related committees.
- Support the preparation of: Committee agendas, papers, decisions admission criteria, and review frameworks.
- Ensure committee processes comply with Administered Laws, internal governance frameworks, and audit requirements.
Stakeholder & Government Liaison
- Support engagement with internal DIFC stakeholders including DIFCA, DFSA, DIFC Courts, etc.
- Assist with liaison and coordination with Federal and Local authorities (e.g. Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance, FTA, Free Zone Council) on registration, licensing, and information‑sharing matters.
- Participate in external meetings, working groups, and consultations as delegated.
Operational Excellence & Service Delivery
- Support continuous improvement of registry systems, processes, and digital platforms.
- Ensure public register information is accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with legal requirements.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with high standards and internal quality frameworks.
- Monitor service delivery metrics and propose operational enhancements.
People Management & Delegation
- Support the Registrar in managing registry staff and functions.
- Provide guidance, coaching, and oversight to teams handling registration, licensing, and reviews.
- Act under delegated authority to approve routine matters and decisions.
- Contribute to workforce planning, training, and capability development.
Relevant Experience & Qualifications
- 8–10 years relevant legal, regulatory, or registry experience.
- Experience in a regulator, free zone authority, government entity, or professional services firm preferred.
- Strong understanding of DIFC legal framework and UAE regulatory environment.
- Familiarity with AML/CFT, CRS, FATCA, ESR and registry‑based compliance regimes.
- Exposure to both civil law and common law systems.
- Legally qualified.
- Fluency in Arabic and English required.
